Two Years

Today marks 2 years since we moved to Illinois, and into our new home. Part of me feels like we have been here forever, yet I also feel like time has just flown by.
I remember Tia had just turned one. I was pregnant and still didn't know if the baby was a boy or girl. D.R. moved first to start his new job and I stayed back in Rochester with Tia so I could finish out my term at RIT. Our house in Rochester hadn't sold yet so it made sense to keep things as normal as possible for Tia.
On November 10 D.R. flew one way to Rochester to do the last minute packing and pick up his girls (Me and Tia). The next morning we said goodbye to friends and family and hit the road. It was such an exciting time.
Two weeks later we hosted our first Thanksgiving in our new home. I must have been crazy.

Here we are on Thanksgiving 2 years ago.

I can't believe how little Tia was back then! She has grown so much.

Look at her here at Christmas that year, her hair wasn't even curly yet!

In the past 2 years, a lot has happened. Most importantly we welcomed Giuliana Grace into our family and our hearts. She is growing up fast, already speaking more words than I can count and making us laugh all the time because of her strong personality.

Here she was the day before her birthday.
We flew to Mexico on her actual birthday, what a way to celebrate.


And enjoying jelly beans on her first Easter.

I think we have all adjusted very well to the move and living in our new community.
D.R. loves his job and has been promoted twice already. Liking your job as well as being good at it is a great combination, and it shows. He has met a couple of guys through work and has developed a nice circle of friends. He has even started golfing again.

After having Gia I started picking up a one or two days of interpreting work each month to get back in the swing of things. I also joined a few mommy groups, met some great ladies who I am proud to call friends, and joined a gym. I'm on a great fitness routine and am slowly but surely getting off the last of that baby weight.

Tia is involved in 2 different play groups, loves visiting our local library, has tons of friends, and takes dance class.
Gia is also involved in play groups. enjoys the library, and is now taking baby music classes.

It's hard to believe that we have done so much and settled in so nicely in just 2 years. I have to say it's got a lot to do with this community. We definitely chose well when we were searching for places to live. Our area is filled with young families who have small children. It's a great fit.

And yes, for those of you reading this who are wondering, of course we miss "home". No matter how well we do here it can't take the place of all our family and lifelong friends back in Rochester. I will always remember that home is where the heart is.